From Florida to California, My MBA Journey to USC Marshall

After working as a financial analyst for an advertising firm in South Florida, Chris Ouayoro (USC Marshall, ‘20) decided to apply to business school to find career opportunities that would allow him to drive strategic decision making in the business, and ultimately landed in Southern California at USC (Marshall.) During this interview, Chris shared his decision to go to business school, why he chose Marshall, and his guidance to MBA applicants who are considering applying to business school

MBASchooled: What did you do before business school, and why did you choose to pursue an MBA?

Prior to business school, I worked as a financial analyst for a large advertising firm in South Florida. My work mainly involved performing forecasting, month-end close functions, and compiling ad-hoc financial reports.  Initially, I really enjoyed my position because I was able to strengthen my finance skills but over time I grew more interested in other aspects of business.  I wanted to pivot to a position that would allow me to focus on more strategic decisions. 

Ultimately I decided to pursue an MBA because I wanted to improve my business acumen and I wanted to make a career switch into the Consulting industry.  Business school provided the perfect opportunity to learn more about business from a holistic perspective and exposure to a variety of great companies. 

MBASchooled: What was the hardest part of the MBA application process, and how did you work through it?

During the application process the GMAT was the absolute bane of my existence. First, I’m not convinced the GMAT actually tests anything or is predictive of success in an MBA program, but I digress. Some people are great test-takers and breeze through this part of the application process, unfortunately I was not one of those people. 

For me, there was a specific score I wanted because that would ensure the most scholarship opportunities for me.  For me, I had to treat my test prep like a second job. During the week, I would study for 2-3 hours and study for 5-6 hours each day during the weekend. I did that every week for 10 weeks. 

MBASchooled: Why did you choose Marshall?

Three major reasons factored into my decision: network, location, and funding. Marshall checked off all the boxes for me. I wanted a program that had a smaller class so  I could get to know all my classmates. I also wanted to be in a large metropolitan area with a lot of great companies and industries nearby. It also didn’t hurt that LA has some of the best weather in the country.  And finally, I was accepted as a Consortium Fellow at Marshall, which made the financing for my MBA so much easier. 

MBASchooled: Most applicants understand why culture is important, and to look for it, but what specifically stood out to you about Marshall?

I think it all depends on what you’re looking for in a program’s culture. For me,  I wanted a program where I could develop deep life-long connections with my classmates.  The Trojan Network is real and I felt that from the first moment I stepped on campus and throughout my time at Marshall. 

MBASchooled: During your first year at Marshall, what experience, activity, class, etc was most meaningful, and why?

I had a lot of great experiences at Marshall but overall the most meaningful was my Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion class taught by Professor Shaun R. Harper. I think in MBA programs there is a tendency to place a heavy emphasis on courses that teach  hard skills (accounting, statistics, finance, etc) but there’s not as much of a focus on soft skills, which become more valuable as one advances in their career. 

The EDI class at Marshall equipped me with the tools to be a better leader in my organization, regardless of how many people I manage, especially when working with diverse teams.  

MBASchooled: Due to COVID-19, MBA applicants know they need to engage virtually with schools to learn about them but what should they be looking to learn or looking to get out of those opportunities?

I would say MBA applicants should look to see how schools are adjusting the resources they offer to their students. Applicants should ask what  schools have planned to ensure that students are able to connect with each other and companies. 

 

MBASchooled: What advice do you have, for students who are considering applying or applying to MBA programs right now?

Two things: be true to yourself and keep your eye on the prize.  It is very easy during the application process to feel as if you are not interesting enough or don’t have the right experience for the MBA program you want to get into, but everyone has a unique story.  You should understand what skills or experiences you have that would add value to an MBA program and lean into that. 

Finally, the application process can be tough especially during COVID. It’s important that students focus on where they want their career to be in 5-10 years from now and how an MBA program will help them get there. Staying focused on your long-term career goals will help you power through the tough parts of the application process.